Stay a
little longer.

1. When does Evie’s professional competence support her, and when does maintaining the appearance of control keep her from asking for help?
2. How does the meaning of keys change between the opening encounter, Derek’s intrusion and the ending?
3. What is the difference between Tristan offering protection and deciding on Evie’s behalf? How does the novel challenge him on this?
4. How do Hartcliff’s family history and the pressure to preserve its name shape Evie’s choices?
5. Which actions by Stephen, Lucille, Maddie, Grace or Loto show care most convincingly? Were there moments when care became pressure?
6. What does the change from Sydney to the South Coast allow Evie to notice about herself?
7. What has to change before Evie and Tristan can rebuild trust? Which repair felt most important to you?
8. How does Evie’s writing complicate the idea that she must choose between ambition and a life of her own?

There is no correct response to these questions. If you would like to share your thoughts, join the discussion at @ideallypositioned. Please mark plot spoilers when posting publicly.